Even after terrorists stepping up attacks and the separatists leaders from their detention calling for shutdown in the Kashmir valley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the second day of his four-day visit, addressed Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) police in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on Sunday.

Interacting with the security personnel in Anantnag where terrorists just few hours before his arrival killed a J-K policeman and wounded two others, Rajnath commended the police personnel and said that he had a message of Prime Minister Narendera Modi acknowledging the bravery and valor of the police in the state.

Shortly before the Home Minister reached Anantnag, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the village Barbaugh in Shopian. The location of the attack is very near to the venue where Rajnath interacted with police personnel.

A 17-year-old terrorist Adil Hussain Dar, who had joined the LeT outfit just three months ago, surrendered before the Army with his arms and ammunition.

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in six police station areas of Srinagar as a preventive measure.

Rajnath said that keeping in mind the safety of police personnel who were working in a challenging environment, he has ordered for bullet proof vehicles at all police stations in J&K.

“Orders have been issued for bullet proof vehicles and for bullet jackets at all police stations in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

He said also that he was upset to see daughter of deceased J-K police personnel, Zohra, crying. Her unarmed father, Abdul Rashid, was shot dead at point blank by terrorists in the main bazaar of Anantnag just three days before the Eid festival.

Rajnath reiterated his willingness to talk to anyone with an open mind and listen to the problems of people. “No power on the earth can stop us from bringing back peace in Kashmir,” Rajnath said.

“I appeal to everyone to come forward to talk if you have any complaints or qualms. I am ready to have talks with an open heart,”said Singh and added “Kashmir will be rid of violence and will become heaven on the earth again.”

During her meeting with Rajnath, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urged him to reach out to all sections of the society as has been clearly stated in the agenda of alliance of the PDP—BJP government. Her indirect reference was also towards taking the separatists onboard.

Governor NN Vohra in his meeting with Rajnath on Saturday evening besides the security related matters, stressed on the vital importance of efficient and accountable functioning of the administrative machinery in J&K and also on eradication of corruption, protecting the academic interests of youth, and early conduct of the pending elections to rural and urban local self-governing bodies.